Jimmy Webb’s ‘MacArthur Park’ Resurfaces in Tim Burton's Movie
Like a character from a pop song horror movie, “MacArthur Park,” the epic seven-minute single written by Jimmy Webb, continues to capture attention.
The song first gained fame when the late actor Richard Harris released it, and it has now been revived through its inclusion in Tim Burton’s new film, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” Featuring both the original Harris version and Donna Summer’s disco interpretation, this classic has approximately 218 renditions, making it a timeless piece that delights Webb as he prepares for his upcoming performances.
The multi-Grammy Award-winning artist is set to return to Hollywood’s Catalina Jazz Club on Friday, January 31, and Saturday, February 1.
“It’s unstoppable,” Webb remarked playfully in a recent interview. “I even sent Tim Burton, who I don’t know, a little email thanking him for bringing my monster back to life. He replied, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to work with your monster.’ It was a simple exchange, but it felt nice to know he recognized my work.”
Webb related the song to the themes of the film, calling it big and overwhelming, and noted, “Tim Burton seemed to get that, as there’s a certain madness to both the song and the movie.”
After finding success with The Fifth Dimension's “Up-Up and Away” in 1968, Webb accepted a challenge from The Fifth Dimension’s producer Bones Howe to write a piece with classical elements, incorporating various movements, tempos, and a full orchestra.
He created “MacArthur Park” and initially brought it to The Association, a pop group Howe was producing at the time, but they rejected it. Webb said, “I found out later that Bones was so disappointed they turned it down that he told them he wouldn’t work with them anymore after it topped the charts.” Webb didn’t take the rejection personally and moved on.
Later, while in London collaborating with Harris, who needed new material, Webb decided to revisit “MacArthur Park.” He put it on the piano and started playing the introduction. Harris was captivated, hitting the piano dramatically and claiming, “I’ll make a hit out of that song!” This confidence proved true as “MacArthur Park” achieved great success, topping charts in Europe and Australia, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968, and winning a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists in 1969.
Audiences at the Catalina Jazz Club can expect stories of this journey along with performances featuring singer-songwriter Pete Mancini.
“We’ll have a lot of laughter,” Webb assured. “We believe in mixing good music with good humor. Expect to hear modern standards alongside classics from the Great American Songbook.”
Reflecting on his experiences recently, including a cruise with The Beach Boys and reconnecting with his friend Bill Medley, Webb expressed a desire to maintain closer ties with friends, stating, “We’ve lost many friends over the years, and I want to cherish the ones still here.”
Webb also mentioned that this year might bring new music and a sequel to his memoir, “The Cake and the Rain: A Memoir,” which currently covers his life only up to age 23. He indicated the need to focus deeply on writing, saying, “I feel I have at least one more album in me, with many songs awaiting development.” Webb is preparing a dedicated environment in his new home to facilitate uninterrupted writing time.
Details of the Show at Catalina Jazz Club
When: Friday, January 31, and Saturday, February 1, at 8:30 PM. Dinner starts at 7:00 PM.
Where: 6725 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Information: Visit here for more details.
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